It's obviously a pull door, right? >> Yeah, I don't like my kid. >> How old is your sister that's up there? >> Six. >> Six. >> Cool. >> When love for a child mixes with stress and feeling overwhelmed, unintended problems can arise. >> Give me an ID. >> I don't trust him. I do not want him with my son whatsoever. >> We went back and forth, me and the wife went in there. >> You and the wife? >> Yeah, we back and forth. >> Is it a dad? >> Yes. >> Okay, put your hands behind your back. >> Any criminal charges? >> That's fine. >> If he charged, he charged me. >> Let's follow today's stories and see how responsibility, patience, and the law work together to protect children. >> I was fighting for my kids. >> Okay. >> I was trying to calm my youngest down. >> She said she was just caring for her kids, but in that effort, she didn't realize that being stressed and emotional was making their relationship more difficult. On November 13th, 2024, police received a call about a custody disagreement. They quickly arrived to ensure everyone's safety. What started with the mother trying to give her child soda turned into a tense situation with potential legal consequences. >> Can you stand up come with me? >> The kids are already gone. >> Okay, can you stand up and come over here with me, please? >> not coming with you. >> Because of what happened. Okay, I'm going to detain you. Can you please stand up and walk with me? >> Why? I'm not walking. Am I under arrest? >> This is the fourth time I've told you no. >> I'm not going TO STOP. >> STOP. >> CAN I HAVE A SODA, AT LEAST? >> NOT RIGHT NOW. >> Are you going to relax your arms or are you going to keep TENSING UP? >> I'M TRYING TO. >> CHILL OUT. >> Let me out. Hello. >> Let's walk outside. >> Am I under arrest? >> It's obviously a pull door, right? >> Yeah, I don't like my kid. >> Okay, so what why is that necessary? >> I want my soda. I'm thirsty. >> So, you're going to kick a door because of a soda? Let's deal with this problem a little bit better moving forward since we haven't done our best so far. >> way. >> Please, have a seat in the car, please. >> Both feet. What are we doing? Stop acting like a child. >> Okay, Ms. Stanton. You ever had your rights read to you before? >> I know my rights. >> Have you had them read to you before? >> No. >> So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to read you your rights and then I'm going to ask you two questions. I need you to answer those two questions before we can talk any further, okay? You have the right to remain silent. Question one. Do you understand these rights I have explained to you? >> No. >> Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to me about what has happened today? >> I don't care at all. >> So, yes, you do want to talk about it? >> My daughter is going to get my daughter taken away if you don't call my mom. >> before I can talk to you any further, I need you to answer these two questions. Can you please just say yes, I want to talk to you now? >> Okay. What's going on here today? >> They won't let me have me put the kids in the car. >> Okay, so what's the the arrangement here? Is it a custody agreement? Like, what what is I I don't know anything about your situation. >> watch the kids, so I just let them and be careful. I always do that. >> So, is this like their foster home over here? Or is this we meet here? What's this I don't know anything about So, you meet here how often? >> Once a week. >> Once a week, okay. On that one day of week, then what transpires after that? >> Well, I had I was playing >> Okay, how many kids do you have? >> Two. >> How old are they? >> One year and six months. >> Okay, so you get to take them for a visit. Is it supervised, unsupervised, what? >> Supervised. >> Who's the supervisor? >> Wanda. >> Okay, where is Wanda? >> I don't know. >> Was she here today? >> Um, Tina. >> So, you walk in here for your meet and then what happens? >> I get done with the kids. And then they got mad and they're not my kids now. I'm not allowed to give them soda. >> See? >> My daughter, I was giving her soda. >> So, you tried to give your daughter a soda, okay, and then what happened? >> sips. >> And then what happened? >> They told me >> How so? What did they say? >> They said they'd take my rights away if I don't stop giving her soda. >> Specifically, who's they? >> The fat woman. >> The guy? >> No, the fat woman. >> With the glasses? >> No, the other woman. She left the kids. >> So, she's not here. So, she said, I'm going to have your rights terminated because you're giving your one-year-old soda. >> Yeah, and then arrested. I want her fired. >> We got to do one thing at a time here. After she says that to you, then what happens? >> So, I will walk them out. I always walk them out. >> But the girl that supervises your visits, does she normally ride with you in the car? >> No, we meet here. We get the kids and come back here. >> Okay. And then all your entire visit happens here? >> Yes. >> So, what >> take the kids I always walk the girls out and put them in the car. Is it the case >> Like in the other person's car? >> No, the blue one. >> car or the >> No, the driver supervises visits. >> Okay. >> Her attempts at caring for her children escalated as emotions and stress took over. >> So, then you tried to give a 1-year-old a soda. They said that they were going to take your rights away. And then what happened? >> the the worker was okay. I'll walk them out. >> She said the visit's over because you tried to give them a soda. Okay. And you were okay with that and you were going to walk them out to the car, right? >> Yeah, but they won't let me I always walk them out. >> So, when you said, "Okay, I'll walk them out." then what happened? >> you. >> Well, see there's a part that's missing here. They didn't just call us for fun. You're leaving a spot out. There's a spot that happened between >> I was fighting for my kids. Okay. I was trying to calm my youngest down. >> Who did you end up fighting? >> The girl and the fat one. >> And fist Because they didn't want to let you walk out to the car? >> Yeah, with the kids. >> Then you decided to fight with them? >> I was fighting for my kids. >> Okay. >> They yanked my daughter's arm out of my arms while I was holding them. They caused my kids to have This is now. Please take that down. >> Did you scream, punch, what? Just pushed? >> Yeah. >> Okay, so people are bleeding from being pushed? >> I was clawing them with my nails. >> From your nails? >> No, they are like oh, they're wild. So, I'm sorry. Can you please hand my phone to my daughter? >> But I'm trying to get a hold >> Can you hand my phone to my daughter, please? >> I cannot. Right now, I'm trying to sort this out with you, right? >> Am I under arrest? >> Yes. So, do you want to tell me what actually happened? >> Just take me to the mental health psych unit. >> Are you having an episode? Is that what has contributed it to today's incident? >> I triggered it. >> Triggered what? >> My mental health. >> Okay, but what's what's your specific diagnosis? >> They brought us in bipolar. They think bipolar. They triggered it. >> Those typically don't come out burst, okay? You're going right now? >> Going to. If I don't get out. >> What does that mean? >> This tells me that people wants me gone. You all don't want me gone. >> want you gone. >> Then let me out. >> I I can't let you out cuz I still have a job to do at the end of the day, right? I'm trying to figure out what actually happened because I kind of got what they're telling me and I got what you're telling me which isn't the whole story, right? >> Yes, I did. That's the whole story. >> You All you did you like I mean you just >> them like that. Two hands in front of you. Them away from you because they were what? >> Fighting to get my kids out. >> So they had to pull They had to forcefully remove your kids from your arms and you shoved them. Did they fall down? >> backwards. >> So that's why >> I get you the first time. >> But I'm trying to figure out what why the guy's on his front if he fell backwards. >> Because he was pushing back. That person fell from his back. He was facing the other direction. >> So he's facing away from you. You pushed him on his back. You like your hands pushed him from the back and he went forward instead of backwards? >> Yeah. >> That makes a little bit more sense. Okay, so now let's go back to >> Can I go pee at least? >> Well, I don't have a bathroom in the car. I'll tell you what. I'll go talk with them a little bit, okay? >> They were both supposed to do a visit together, but then they saw them yelling, screaming and barking a lot and they were like, "No, you guys aren't doing a visit together." >> This and fiance? >> Yes, that dude right there. And they were like, "Nope, just one person at a time." He got mad, was like, "No, we're doing it together." She was like, "No, I'll go in there by myself." She goes in, tries to give kids soda. They're like, "Stop giving your 1-year-old soda. We're not doing that here." She kept doing it, screaming also, and they were like, "All right, visit's over." Grab kids, held on, squeezed kids. Kids apparently are okay. Forcefully remove kids. Once they got the kids, she went back crazy, He kicking, biting, scratching, all of that. So, nobody needs any medical attention. They seem to be okay. >> kids are gross. >> Yeah, he's got a good one on his left arm. >> He needs to She's got braces with all kinds of >> That's uh her information. I wrote it down as well. This is her, female. Dina, and then John is the male with the glasses. He's a safety coordinator. She is whatever her title is. >> Dina is the bigger girl? >> Yes. >> And she has a bruise? >> Yep, she's got scratches on her left arm. >> All right. So, where are the kids at? >> Kids are over here on this side. I'm I was going to go and I can see them just to make sure that they're okay. I want >> Yeah. >> I'll do that, yeah. >> Perfect. >> On the way back to the station, she continued to challenge the authorities, even making requests that were not standard procedure. >> Can you put me on the list for the wagon? >> I want to hurry up so I can go pee. >> Well, I can only go as fast >> And I don't want to be all over the backseat. >> I'm not the one If you have to make that decision, I'm not the one that has to sit in it. I have to wait for the wagon who's out at the jail. I have I have called for the wagon to respond, but I can't make him appear. I have to wait. >> Can I just go pee? >> Where? >> I don't care cuz I'm going to go pee. >> Like I don't have a bathroom in here. >> You can take your lazy ass to the jail and let me go pee there. >> I can't take my lazy ass anywhere. I am waiting for the prisoner transport vehicle. >> Then tell them to get her here now. >> That's not something that I can do. >> Then I didn't go pee. >> I suggest that you hold it. Otherwise, it's going to be a very unpleasant situation for you. Okay, now I'm done talking to you. Completely done. Thank you very much. >> Let me out so I can go pee. Let me out so I can go pee. Where's the wagon at? HELLO? HELLO? HELLO! WHERE'S THE WAGON AT? WHERE'S THE WAGON AT? LEAVE MY YOUNG SINGLE. You need to to be smart. Both of you stay in single. You don't deserve no one. You deserve >> And if you break this car or anything in it, that is another charge that will keep you in jail longer. So, please think about your actions. >> I already got a dent. >> If you make it worse or you break something including my handcuffs, that will be another charge that will keep you in jail longer. >> I got handcuffs. >> I know and you're already going to be in trouble for that. So, that's another charge on top of that. Please, I stop You're digging You're digging a hole deeper for yourself. It's in your best interest. They're on the way. >> What if they don't take 2 hours to get here? >> I cannot make traffic move faster. It is not an emergency situation. Therefore, he will be following every traffic law. >> Well, can I go pee at least? >> Where would you like for me to let you pee without leaving that spot? >> I can go pee in a bush. >> No, you can't because you cannot leave that spot. You're under arrest. So, I cannot let you out to go pee in a bush, which is against the law, by the way. You have to be an adult and wait. Okay, but that just because people do it doesn't mean that it's it's illegal. It is against the law. I You want me to just materialize a bucket with magic? Do you think that that is something that I am capable of doing? Okay, do you Does it look like I have a cup? W- Where Where Where do I have a cup? Where do you see a cup in my hands? Where do you see a cup in my hands? I'm not going to give you I'm not going to go buy you a soda. Like that's insa- Why would I go and out of my way to buy you a soda? What have you done that has earned me spending my own or her earned money to buy you a soda? What have you done that has earned you a soda from me? I'm pretty sure that that soda is long gone and I'm not driving back there to get you a cup to pee in. That's just This is disgusting. Like I said, if you pee I don't have to sit in it if you pee back there. You have to sit in it, and you have to deal with it. You could, and then you have to deal with it because you're in a cage. That affects me none. It's not going to. Smell doesn't bother me. It doesn't bother me cuz you already have an aura of smell about you. I'm nose blind to it. Traffic. Don't know. Don't have his phone number, so no I cannot. Because that is a non-emergency transmission, and I am not going to interrupt and I'm not going to clog up the radio to say, "Hey, my prisoner is impatient and would like to know what street you're on." Not going to do that. >> The mother faced charges of aggravated battery, aggravated battery against a government employee, and incitement. Under Illinois law, she could face 8 to 35 years in prison depending on the severity. This story highlights that handling situations calmly, cooperating with authorities, and following the law is the best way to protect children, avoid conflict, and prevent serious outcomes. >> You don't know where he is? I'll follow you. >> Mommy. >> What's your name? >> Mommy. >> What's Mommy's name? >> Mommy. >> No one expected that a child's cry of Mommy on an empty sidewalk would draw attention and prompt a response from the authorities. On June 14th, 2024, Palm Beach County Police received a call reporting a boy, about 4 years old, standing alone on the street in a residential area. At first, officers thought he might be lost until he led them home. >> We just saw this kid standing here on the street. >> Okay. >> No parents, no nothing. We've been here for what? here for 5 minutes. I said we were here for 15 minutes. He asked for his name and he said mommy's up in the sky plane. I said do you live here and he said yes. >> He's naked from waist down. >> So what happened is >> When I drove I got about here I noticed an accident here so I guess everybody must have saw the same thing. Two of us were stopped. >> Hey buddy. >> You smile for >> Give me give me a smile there. >> Can you show us where your daddy or mommy's at? >> Yeah. >> You find Can you show them where the which which house is it? >> Come with us, okay? Come on, let's go find your house. Let's find your house. Okay? Do you know where it is? You don't know where your house is? I'll follow you. >> Mommy. >> What's your name? >> Mommy. >> What's mommy's name? >> I'm mommy. >> Where? That's mommy? Where? >> I'm mommy. >> Where? Where's mommy? Let's find mommy. >> You want me to carry him so he's not like walking barefoot? >> I'm trying to follow him cuz I guess seems like he knows where he's going. >> Oh yeah, right there, yeah. >> I I see a lot of toys in there. >> There's toys in there? >> Yeah, toys in there. >> Hey Hudson, door's open up here. Door's open. >> All right, Goose, you got him? >> Yeah. >> Let's see what we got. >> You see him standing here? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I think he's in here. Hold on. I think he's in here. Hold on. Hold on. HOLD >> PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. IS EVERYBODY HOME? >> YEAH, door was open. >> Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. >> Palm Beach COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. >> YEAH, I I KNOW. I know mommy. >> That's where he lives at. Where? >> Right there. >> Palm Beach County Sheriff. >> Hey man. >> Hey, wake up. Hey, Palm Beach County Sheriff. >> Relax. Relax. Relax. >> Sorry if we scared you. >> Hey, do you have a little brother? >> Yes. >> Here, give me a favor. We're going to step out and get some pants on. Where is your little brother? I think he's walking down the house, okay? >> I guess he's a hard sleeper. >> What is your name? Do they call you Is it Michael? >> No cry. No cry. Come on. Come on. Come come on, come >> Mommy's coming. >> Mommy's coming. Don't cry. Is this your little brother out here? Is that your little brother? >> your brother? Is that your brother? >> Yes, he is. >> Yes? >> Yes, it is. >> How old is she? >> She's young. She's probably under 10. >> How old are you? >> I'm 6. >> Do you guys live here in the complex? >> No, we don't. >> You You guys live here in the complex? >> No, I don't live here. >> Where are you at? >> But, is it one same community? >> Yes. >> So, that's your brother and sister and all that. >> They both That brother and sister. >> That's your brother? >> Where Where you live? >> We have to figure out. >> Oh, she's over there? >> How How old are you? >> 6. >> She's 6. >> And where's your mom? How big What's your brother's name? Where's your parents? >> Do you have a phone phone? Phone number? >> If I give you the phone, can you call your parents? >> Are they supposed to be here? >> Can I get it? >> Yeah, yeah, please do. >> And James, is that Mommy in the red car? >> So, we got the original caller, correct? Okay. So, Yeah. >> Bye, baby. >> At least she's going to get She's going to get him some underwear and pants so I can get my shirt back. >> Oh, true. >> Yeah. I have to go on with my day. >> All right. >> No, no, no worries. He was just standing there. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> We've got We've got the kid. >> He's up there with his um sister. >> And the sister is 6. >> And I guess she had no idea that he had stepped out. >> Oh. >> No parents are here. >> 4 4 years old went downstairs? >> Yeah. >> And then what Where was he found over there? >> laying on the sidewalk. >> How old is the sister that's up there? >> 6. >> 6. So, we're just going to call Mommy or Daddy and figure out what's where they're at to see what's going on. Do you guys ever stay home alone? >> No. >> Never? So, this is the first time this has ever happened? Okay. >> When the mother returned, she looked worried, explaining she had only been gone about an hour to prepare a birthday party. While there is no specific law setting a minimum age for children to be unattended, leaving very young children unattended can create serious safety risks. >> Are you the mom? Huh? >> Yes, I'm here. I'm with them. I'm with them. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Oh, [ __ ] >> All right, I got to I got to ask you some questions first, okay? >> I'm sorry. >> So, you already know what's going on, right? >> He just called me to say >> that your child has been found, and then >> Yeah, yeah. >> I have to read Miranda rights to you, okay? >> You have to what? >> Miranda rights to you. Read you your rights. >> Carla. >> I just got to read you your rights. >> Get to my my just talk to your children. They don't be in my >> Listen, we're here we're we're just investigating, okay? >> Huh? >> You don't Tell him you're going to call him back later cuz we got to figure this out. Yes. What's your name? >> My name is Judith. >> Okay, I am required to warn you before you make any statement that you have the following constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and to answer any questions. Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. I can make no threats or promises to induce you to make a statement, okay? Do you understand those rights which I have read to you? >> Yeah. >> Okay. With those rights in mind, are you choosing to speak to me? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, >> I'm just doing a it's the event They've been sleeping, and I went to the clubhouse. I'm setting up something, so they're sleeping. >> Here in the complex? >> Yeah, I'm in the front. So, I'm setting up an event for somebody, and they were sleeping, so I just left them to sleep. >> work here? >> I live here. >> And then you live here, but you also work >> No, like I'm doing some a party for someone tomorrow. So, this morning I just went there to unload the truck, and now I'm coming back, and they're sleeping. >> Okay. >> So, I guess my son woke up, and my daughter's probably still sleeping. Is my daughter up? >> How old is your daughter? >> She's five. Six. >> Okay. So, you went to the clubhouse. Now, what time did you go? Do you know what time you went? >> Like 10 minutes ago. >> No, it's longer. >> No, no, longer. No, no, no, no. >> Okay. >> Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. >> It's been about an hour. >> And when you left them, they were sleeping in the room? >> Yeah, they were sleeping. >> So, when you left they were sleeping? >> Yes, they were sleeping. >> You know you're not supposed to leave minors of that age alone. >> I know. I'm sorry. That won't happen again. I don't want this to escalate any further, please. >> How long were you gone from here originally? >> I think Like an hour. Like I was unloading a truck. So, I feel like it's been an hour. >> What truck? >> This right here. I just unloaded the stuff. >> So, where did you Where did you start from now? That's what I'm asking. Like >> My community, right here. >> I know, but you left here to go where? >> To the clubhouse, to the clubhouse in the front. >> All right. Did we run her photo in the car? >> No, not yet. >> Okay, let's put her in the car. >> What car? What is the What's the call? >> Well, we got a call because did he explain a 3-year-old was found on Military Trail? >> Yeah, I got to get more info on it. >> Do you have your ID on you? >> In the car? >> JJ, look. >> Okay, what's your Judy, what's your date of birth? >> Can you please what? >> What's your date of birth? >> I don't have my ticket, bro. I don't know what it >> Okay. That was her ID. >> She knows how to unlock the door >> Yes, he do now. Like I work from home. Even when I'm on the computer, he unlocks it. And I'm like, "Jay, get inside." >> The problem is the way we found him. >> Yeah, it's almost day. He could have could have gotten hit by a car. >> So, that's a problem. >> Boom, bye. >> All right. >> All right, guys. No problem. >> Where'd you get the sticker from? >> Fire rescue. >> Bye, guys. >> Does dad live here? >> And he's working right now. >> All right. >> Who CSDs? Where are they going to >> Well, so this is the issue. What's your first name? >> Judy. >> Judy, this is the the issue. Is your kids are very young. It is and so I think we're all parents here. Leaving your kids home even to run a quick errand, to go check the mail, this and that. What we do, we decide if it's child or is it something that we could all end up doing. Like, "Ah, I went to go two doors down to talk to my neighbor." And then he was like, "Hey, come check out this thing." And I walked into his house and then we started talking and I didn't realize I'd been gone for 20, 30 minutes and my kids So, the problem there's a couple problems. Your kids are very young. There's no age in the books, meaning the Florida State Statute book. There's no We have to evaluate kids on how mature they are. She is mature, but she's six. She did doesn't know your information. Did she did know the phone number. Problem with this one is she was I mean, not nothing she did wrong. She was passed out sleeping. So, if she was watching TV, that would be a totally different scenario. She was out cold. Leaving your kids home alone even if it's for a short period of time, it's a felony. Not to say that you meant to do it, but this is what happens. >> You can bring them upstairs. We'll come and talk to you. We're still deciding things. All right, so just give us a little bit. You can bring the kids upstairs if you want. >> Let's call and walk this out to the car. >> Although the mother expressed regret, the responsibility for the child's safety was clear. She needed to be held accountable for her actions. >> Yes, sir. >> All right, we just want to talk to you out here and not in front of the kids cuz we don't want them to see what we're going to do to you. For today, you may not speak to a judge >> Kids, stop. >> because of all the elements All the elements of the crime are there. >> The kid Yes, I'm just saying. >> It's Florida state statute. And the kids stay with the your best friend? Is that okay? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, do you have your cell Do you have your cell phone with you? >> Yeah, she has it in her hand. >> Okay. He's He's going to have you walk down and I'll explain to your friend, your best friend, what's going on. And then you can call your husband with your phone down there. >> Yeah, we just did it. >> I don't want to let your kids see you going to have to have this done. >> Just walk down with him. He'll explain everything to you. >> Can I finish just telling her my my sister? >> to tell her. I'm going to tell >> going to go crazy though. >> No, no, no. I'm going to tell her for you. >> The thing is >> She's just going to walk you down. We don't want your kids to see >> They've already gone enough. >> What do you need to do? >> I'm just going to tell my friend in there. >> I'm going to tell >> So, let's call her If you want, call call her out. >> Yeah, call her. >> Yeah, if you want, just call her out. Best friend? Your best friend is there. She wants to talk. >> Come on, baby. Come on. >> I see your best friend is sleeping. >> I don't know what you guys are >> I'm just going to tell her if she has any questions, let me know, but we're going to walk her down. We'll get her stuff out of the vehicle. Which car is yours? >> This one. >> The red one? >> No, this one. >> When is the event or when is it? >> It's for tomorrow. >> Well, you don't know We don't know yet cuz you could be out today. >> I can take my phone, right? >> Yes. >> So, I got to get arrested and all that? Jesus Christ. >> Well, no, let's let's get that >> I know. I said it. >> No, no, no. >> Oh. >> You got bad shoulders, right? >> Oh, yeah. I got a broken arm. >> Yeah. We're going to handcuff you in the front since you have bad shoulders. Do you understand? >> This is crazy. All right, guys. So, can we please see a judge and like see how this works out? >> That's what we're trying to do as fast as possible. >> Oh my gosh. This is so embarrassing. So crazy. >> You're going to see him today through like a Zoom call, most likely. >> Through the court? >> The the judge. And then he's going to let you know how long and whatever it is. >> All right, thank you. This is where they do mug shots and all that, too? >> Have you ever been arrested before? >> No. All right. >> Perfect. >> Jesus Christ. >> The mother faced a child a charge under Florida law. She could face up to 5 years in prison or probation, along with a maximum fine of $5,000. Nowadays, many parents navigate life's challenges, balancing work and family responsibilities. But no matter the circumstance, a child's safety must always come first. This man was exhausted from constant disagreements with his wife. Yet, he ultimately had to face legal responsibility. >> It's just constantly every day of my life that I am getting >> Are you guys >> called a piece of [ __ ] of a father. >> Yeah. >> On July 5th, 2024, police received a call from an 8-year-old reporting a dispute between his parents. Officers quickly arrived and approached the father. From there, the truth gradually emerged. The disagreement began over control of a phone and the right to take the child out. But both parties then engaged in tense actions, causing the child to worry and call 911. >> All right. Before before we we start Is there anything physical at any point during this? >> All I did was hold her and ask her for my property. I bear hugged her and said, "Can I please have my phone?" And then I grabbed both phones that were in her hand. >> All right, ma'am. Can you Can you this >> I think you can go back to the house. >> No. Not right now. We'll investigate this. Where do you live? Do you guys live there? >> I live there right now with my mom. >> Okay. Are you guys married? >> No, we're not. >> Do you >> guys live together though? >> Yeah. >> And how long you guys live together? >> 3 years. >> And is she the biological mom? >> Yeah. >> Okay, you both have mutual custody. So, you can't just run off with your baby without having mutual agreement. So, they won't >> I said I was taking him for a walk. And I took him outside. I'm taking him for a walk. >> Okay. >> I would like to go on a walk to calm the [ __ ] down and get away from her. >> All right. >> And I said, "I am taking my son for a walk with me." >> So, so right now we're going to investigate this till my one of my partners shows up to confirm nothing illegal is happening right now. Okay. All right, so >> She just keeps saying that I put my hands on her and I always put my hands on her. When I simply asked her a hundred damn times to give me my phone >> Okay. >> so I could call my mom or my aunt to come pick me up to take me to the camper cuz she absolutely hates my family. >> Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that. That that if it if it's come down to it >> can't my grandmother just got out of the hospital from having three types of cancer. >> sorry to hear that. >> She has lung, throat, and brain cancer. And I would like to go see her. But that one over there is stopping me. >> How is she stopping you exactly? >> Because she won't let me have my phone so I can call my mom. She hid all three of the house phones. She won't give me nothing. >> Hold on, one second. Sergeant will be here so he could talk to her, get her side of the story. Right now we're investigating to make sure nothing criminal has happened. So, when you said you buried it what exactly? >> She was walking away from me. I grabbed her like I normally do with We weren't fighting. And then I reached over, grabbed the phone, and held onto it and then she I let She [ __ ] screamed at the dude that Tell me who the phone was with her, Lou. >> Who was the guy that she was talking to? >> Uh his dad. >> His dad? >> He's at work so he he was like >> Do you guys live together? >> No. >> Where does the dad live? >> Over here on Roxboro. >> Okay. So, >> He stayed the night last night. >> Yeah. >> He was like, "You don't mind to watch and I don't mean we're trying to move in together but I'm not >> Is that kind of what triggered the argument? >> No. >> So, what would you say triggered it? I know you said you were trying to get your phone back. >> Yeah, I was trying to get my phone and then I I went to the the dining room in the house cuz we have we our rooms here, hallway, and then the kitchen, and then the dining room. I went to go grab the home phone in the dining room >> Yeah. >> to call my mom or aunt >> Mhm. >> and she came running up behind me, hit me, and then fell over the desk to grab the phone. >> So, why'd she hit you? >> Because she doesn't want me calling my family to come get us. >> Okay, so that's that's what triggered you. You're trying to talk to a family member and then she decided to hit you. >> Yeah. >> Did she hurt you at all? >> No. >> Any marks or anything? Like where did she hit you? Like in the back? >> She just hit me in the back. It's fine. But I just tried calling my family >> Yeah. >> to come get us so we could go play some cornhole. >> Yeah. Do you have your ID on you by any chance? >> I do. >> Let's go ahead and identify who you are since you're involved in this incident. Did you get your phone back? >> No, she still has it. She's talking to the kid's dad. >> Okay. Does she have her own phone? >> Yeah. She has both of ours. >> Okay. >> I would like to have >> I will try to get your phone back for you, okay? >> I'm not even worried about it at this point. >> Don't worry about it. It's just you said you wanted to talk to your family. It sounds like you're you're making a good course of action trying to de-escalate the situation by going to a family member. >> I was going to have all of us all four of us have a good time and go down there. >> Did you know she called us? >> No. >> Okay. >> I had no I no idea. >> Okay. >> I told her I'm like, "I'm taking my son for a walk. I'm going for a walk." I asked Connor if he wanted to go and his dad was like, "She's not going anywhere with him." I'm like, "Okay, that's fine." >> So, so hang >> And don't ask me to >> So, I'm going to look you up really quick in my MDT, but before I go ahead do you have any wants or warrants I should know about? >> Just no. >> It's just no, it's just protocol. >> Both parents gave opposing statements highlighting differences in perception and emotion. At the same time, an outside witness was ready to help clarify the story. >> Connor, come here. What's going on today? Stay over here so we're out of the road a bit. Buddy, you you want to come this way? >> Come here, Connor. to. >> What's going on there? >> Dealing with a abusive person. >> All right. Tell me like a story. What made you call us? >> Because I couldn't do it no more. He started to He just wanted to stop putting his hands on me and everything. Now that he started to take my son. It is too hot. I do not want my son in this heat. He's not been okay because of the heat. I don't want him out of it. And he wanted to sit there and keep taking him and then hide from me so I didn't know where they were. >> Do you have an ID? >> And I don't I don't trust him. I do not want him with my son whatsoever. >> Are you Are you guys married? >> No. >> Do you have an ID on you? >> Um no, I do not. Mine's at the house. >> Okay. Do you know your social? >> Um one moment. >> This This is the only phone that works. This is why I was been on the phone. And I have proof too of everything that he's been doing, too. >> Okay. So, explain to me better what it what happened. >> So, I had tried I woke him up calmly because my son had made a mess in his crib from sleeping. He >> Okay. >> pissed. So, it went through and everything. I woke him up so I could have a little bit of help cleaning because he never helps me in with anything. He's He's been treating everyone horrible, even his own family. His own family has been telling me to leave his abusive no, I sat there and I woke him up, tried asking for help. And his aunt and stuff were there watching him yell and go crazy on me, too. And he just continued. He didn't stop. He just continued continued to >> he kick your ass? He said he went crazy all over and was kicking you. Where? >> He has not like me and me like to knock me out. He pushed my head and went I almost fell down the stairs and then he was holding on to me like this and then knocked me on the floor when I was trying to get up and everything to escape from him. >> That was all today? >> Um so far. >> So, when did that happen? >> Um both a few minutes ago before we had came out. >> All right. Do you have any injuries or anything like that? >> No, my back and everything just hurts. That's it. >> Your back hurts? >> Yeah, my upper back is but I'll be okay. >> Okay. So, you said he he he kicked you, pushed you grabbed your hair? >> No, he pushed and then he was holding on to me and then just literally knocked me over. >> Why did he do that? >> I have no idea. He's been He's been kind of pushing me around and everything for days. He's been slowly increasing with how he's >> Okay. >> He is so I don't I don't know. I do not know what's wrong with him. >> Do you have any of that on tape or video or anything like that? >> I've been on a video call the whole time so for safety because I didn't feel safe. >> Okay. Can Was what she just explained what you saw? >> And I told him multiple times to stop and when you want to be minutes and could relax. >> Is that what you saw as to what >> I'm not sure what she was saying cuz it was cutting out a little bit but if you want I can give you a rundown from the beginning. >> Yeah, if you don't mind here I'm going to hold on to the phone, okay? Go ahead, sir. >> Can you please bring Mason over here? >> He called me this morning like she has done every morning for the last couple of days cuz we've been talking and hanging out over the last 3-4 days. I've stayed the night there. She called me this morning. We were on the phone for like an hour or two and then Corbin woke up which is their son. He was poopy everywhere. So, like he got poop all in his diaper and all over the playpen. So, she went to go wake up Kevin and asked for help cleaning up and changing the baby and whatnot. From there he just woke up with an attitude but like getting loud and aggressive. After that settled down for a little bit but then he got all riled up out of nowhere was like, "Give me my phone. I want my [ __ ] phone." And then from there the they started running around and that's when everything started happening. >> All right. Say Say that again. What was happening with running around? >> Uh that and then after he started yelling and getting loud saying, "Give me my [ __ ] phone." He started chasing her around locking her out of the house and and that's when physical started to get happening. >> What did you see or hear about that part? >> So, I when when Melina ran up the stairs as she was coming back down I watched her head just fly forward. I didn't see his hand touch her but like could clearly tell it was a shove. Um I I watched him block doorways and squish her up against the door frame to try and prevent her from leaving the room. I I walked when I was propped up on the couch, I watched him push her towards the door frame towards their room. >> Okay. >> Um I don't think she hit the wall on that one. Um and then when he was locking her outside, uh I'm not sure about what was going going on or not on that one either. >> Okay. So, all right. Hang out right here, okay? Accusations kept piling up and the father even expressed a desire to separate the children's mother from the home due to exhaustion from the conflict. So, between the two, who is truly at fault? >> So, basically what I got from this >> Copy. You have both a male and female patient. >> Copy. Thanks. Basically what I got is you guys got into an argument and you tried to diffuse yourself from situation by taking your kid out and then she got upset about that. Tried to push you. >> Yeah, she >> Proceeded to keep the >> keeping me in the house. >> Okay. >> She I walked out the garage door. While I was trying to walk out the garage door, she ran past me with my son in my arms. >> Yeah. >> And then >> What's up, buddy? >> And then I go to the front door and she tries keeping me in from there, too. >> Yeah. Has she done this before? >> She's done it multiple times. This is not the first time. >> Has she reacted like this? >> Yeah, she she just doesn't call. >> Yeah. >> The first time she's called. >> What? You This is her child, though, correct? >> Yeah, it's both of ours, yeah. >> Okay. So, you both have And she's pretty much you're allowed to do what you want with your kids. Does that make sense? Yeah. So, you're allowed to do that, but based off what I got is it's not okay that she pushed you and then you bear hugged her cuz that's physical contact. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I'm going to talk to him, my sergeant, see if he would like that constitutes any criminal charges. >> That's fine. If you charge me, charge me. >> Okay. Well, to me it sounds like you both had mutual part to play in the in the physical altercation. >> I'd rather be >> than be with that one cuz I've dealt with this for 4 years of my life, dude. >> I'm sorry to hear that. >> It's just constantly every day of my life that I am getting >> Are you guys >> called a piece of a father >> Yeah. >> a nobody. You don't do nothing but sit around and play your Xbox when I was the one providing for y'all. I was the only one who had a job. >> Does she live She She actually lives there? Like are you both in your name at that >> That's my parents' place. >> It's your parents' place. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So right now, I'll just let you know, you do both have habitation there. So you can't just like kick her out. >> No, I didn't plan on it. >> No, no, I know. I'm I'm just letting you know. Just Just if it got to that point. >> If anything, I would >> You'd have to file for official eviction off her from the premises. If it's your parents' place, you said. >> Yeah, my my mom's allegedly said she did for both of us. >> For eviction? >> Yeah. >> So she's tried to evict you guys. >> But she never did. She My mom says she and then doesn't do it. >> You feel like it's an empty threat? >> Yeah. My mom tried to do it. Not really, but she threatened me and her with an eviction notice. >> Yeah. >> I'm like, "Okay, it's been 30 days. Where's it at?" >> Yeah. >> It never came up. >> Yeah. >> Never once brought it up. >> Well, I Like I said, right right now the issue is that you guys got in that ordeal. You guys both were physical with each other. I mean, I don't know what she told you. >> So what did the gentleman on the phone tell me that he saw? >> Well, I haven't had my phone all day. She's been on the phone with him since I woke up. >> Yeah. I'm curious as to what he thinks he has seen. >> He had seen the altercation. She She tells everyone everything, dude. >> So I'm not >> No, I need a third-party person as to what they saw. >> I don't know. I don't I I really don't. >> Okay. >> I I could care less at this point, dude. >> I know, Bobby. Hold on. So are you dad or >> Yeah. >> So until you're married, non-wed mother has full and the custody. You have to listen to what she said. She can't be taking the kids from the house property. >> Well, that one's not ours. This one. >> Oh, I thought you were talking about both of them. >> No, no, this is one. >> All right. So, >> It's fine. Then, she can give me my property, I'll give her her son, and I'll leave. >> Well, no, no, see that doesn't work that way. Child goes back to the mother, period. There is no other >> That's what I just said. >> No, you you said if she gives you your property, you'll give her the son back. >> Give him her son. >> All right, here's Here's the other phone. >> I want my phone so I can call someone to come pick me the >> So, my other problem here is is it is got physical. >> All right, you want to explain more about that to me? >> So, I bear hugged her from behind, grabbed her phones, and she was alleged She told the person that's on the phone that I pushed her down, I was pushing her, and all this other nonsense. And like, I bear hugged you and asked you for my phone. And then, she proceeded to take all the house phones. I have three house phones in the house, and she decides to take out all of them and hide them. >> Okay. >> So, I can't call anyone. I have no contact to anyone. She has both phones, and she I think she called y'all on his phone, the little kid's phone. >> I don't >> I'm not sure. I wasn't that involved into it. I walked away cuz I distanced myself after everything just happened. So, cuz that's what I do. I like to distance myself. >> Okay. >> I talked about it. I talk about it once, and then once it comes up again, I get mad because I don't I'm that person who walks away, calms down, talks about it, and then it it goes away. It disappears. >> So, who's the person on the phone? How is that in relation to >> son. Her dad. >> Her kid's son. All right. So, he's reporting something different than what you're telling me. Any reason why that would be? >> Because she tells >> He saw stuff while on FaceTime. >> When I grabbed the phones, I literally bear hugged her, and then she ran upstairs, I followed her, asked her for my phone a million times, and then she's saying that I They're both saying that I apparently pushed her and everything. Cuz I know that's what probably what he's going to say anyways. >> Okay. >> But >> Why would he say that though? What what what what benefit is it to him? >> tells him everything that I don't do to her. >> I'm not saying that's what she is saying. I'm saying that's what he said he saw. >> Yeah. >> Why would he say that? What benefit is it to him? >> I barely >> I'm trying to understand here because I have a third-party person who observed this altercation between you two. So, I'm trying to understand dynamics. >> I never pushed her once. >> So, let me let me educate you here. Ohio state law, all right, for domestic violence, that if we determine a primary physical aggressor, an arrest shall be made. All right? >> if that's what it's going to come down to, dude. You can arrest me then. >> So, we're trying to figure out, okay? >> tired of dealing with this every [ __ ] day. I deal with it every day of my life, dude. >> Yeah, but we're giving you the best opportunity >> straight >> to say your side of the story. Well, we're trying to figure it out, and I'm trying to piece I'm trying to piece with what you're saying with what the third party said. >> wait so long to touch her >> Yeah. >> that she continuously continuously continuously continuously does until I am livid where I literally want to go psycho, dude. >> Okay. So, you can't put hands on at all. >> I know. >> Primary physical aggressor. That's a physical aggressor, period, the end. >> Okay. >> All right? Now >> time I really touched her in a week cuz we love on each other. That's technically touching, isn't it? Or is it not? >> Primary physical aggressor. >> Okay, I don't touch her when we fight besides today. >> So >> But she can she can push and push and push and push me all she wants. >> what backtrack? Did she push you before you pushed her? >> Yeah. She pushed me out of the way from everything. >> Okay. How how so? >> Because I went to go She wouldn't give me my phone. >> Okay. >> That's who she's on the phone with. His Luke is on my phone. >> That's your phone. Okay. >> Yeah, that's my phone. >> Okay. >> The other phone she has in her hand doesn't it work. >> Okay. >> I tried going to grab the house phones. Took all three of them, hid from me. >> Okay. >> Took the one in the dining room just a few minutes ago before all this happened. And like, all I'm trying to do is talk to my damn family so I can go somewhere. >> Okay. >> She don't like my family. >> Okay. >> She wants nothing to do do with them. >> All right. >> And my grandma just got out of the hospital with three types of cancers. And I would like to go see her before she >> Okay. >> And I don't know when she's going to >> Okay. All right. >> But I can't do that with her. >> Let me Let me ask you about the phone stuff. I'm going to walk the little kid over to her, all right? >> That's fine. Just tuck some in the bottom. >> So, uh you stay stay here with him. >> Okay. >> The witness confirmed that the father approached and tried to manage the situation while the mother reacted to protect herself. Oh, wee! Ah, boom. Oh, wee! Ah, boom. All right. So, what's the deal with the phones? >> My phone does not work at all and then I only feel safe and I can only talk to certain people on here with my phone not working at all. When I'm in a scary situation, what else am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to have my side of the proof? >> Well, I'm just asking. He's saying >> And it scares me so bad. I start shaking and like my heart and everything. Like everything and my whole I feel so sick. I'm going to pass out. >> He's saying that you the the house phones were hidden. Oh, wait. Explain Explain that to me. >> How am I getting blamed for it when it's in his mom's closet? I don't even go in her stuff. >> I'm not saying that you hid them. I'm just saying that they were hidden. >> Whatever his family would be doing. I will If he's really that worried about them, I will look for them myself wherever they find them and I will put back. I have no idea where >> Okay. >> It's in his mom's closet in her clothes and stuff. >> Can I speak with the What's the gentleman's name? All right. So, what is your relation to the group here? >> You know, are my best friends and my son is over there cuz we all stayed the night last night. >> Okay. All right. So, who Who is the primary physical aggressor that you saw? >> I would have to say that the primary physical aggressor would have been Kevin. >> Okay. He was chasing her around, pushing her, pushing on her, that sort of stuff. >> Any point in time did she push him? >> Uh when trying to get away from him. Uh there was like three or four occurrences where she pushed him. >> But that was after he had already pushed her and had bear hugged her? >> Uh one of them was before, the others were after. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you, sir. I'm going to give you back. Okay. So, what I I'm going to let you know is what state law requires. All right? That if we did domestic in the state of Ohio, all right? That if we determine a primary physical aggressor, an arrest shall be made. Okay? >> So, he So, he is to be taken? >> Yeah. He's going to be placed under arrest today and he's going to go to county jail until Tuesday. >> Okay. This is so bad. >> All right. Hang tight here, all right? >> Even though the father offered prior explanations, Ohio law is strict, ensuring that once inappropriate behavior is identified, intervention is necessary. >> Is that your phone? >> No, it's fine. >> You can go back to walking. Before you do my search, do you have any sharp objects on you that I should know about? >> No, all I got is a naked thing on me. >> And what is that in your back pocket? >> This one. Yep. >> That phone that she's on is your phone, correct? And it has two lighters. All right, go I need you to go back over to my car right now, ma'am, okay? Like I said, primary physical aggressor. Okay? >> Yeah. >> Here. >> Thanks. Thanks a lot. Vape pen? >> Essentially. >> Yeah. >> All right, let's go on the other side of the car. >> Can you come in the middle of the night? >> Yeah. We'll get you your phone. We'll go back to the back of the station and let you make a phone call from there. >> There's a wallet. Yep. Hey, look. It's not holding. >> It didn't show up? I'm going to put this on the front seat here, okay? All right, I'm going to go get your phone for you, all right? For you before I read you your Miranda rights for you. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to your attorney. If you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights that have been read to you? >> want I don't want him to go. >> Yes or no? >> Cuz he hit me. This is the first time it got really bad. >> Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can will be used against >> Yeah. I don't want I don't want him to go cuz he hit This is the first time it got really >> Like I Like I explained, we don't have discretion or option in this. If we determine there's a primary physical aggressor, an arrest shall be made, okay? So, I'm going to need his phone back so he can have it. >> I don't want charges. He's going to hit me. He's going to >> He's going to leave me. I can't do this by myself. Look. >> So, the state law requires that if we determine a primary physical aggressor, an arrest shall be made. Let's go in front of our car over here, okay? So, we don't have discretion or option. it's the state that is pressing charges on this. Now what happens at court happens at court. The father could face charges of domestic violence, aggravated menacing, and unlawful restraint. Under current Ohio law, he could face up to 3 years in prison. In similar family conflicts, restraint, communication, and mutual respect among adults are key to avoiding disputes and protecting children from stress. In Florida, another couple put their personal needs above everything else, including their children's safety. >> We've been back and forth. We've been here for a long time. >> We've been here for over 30 minutes, sir. >> We haven't been in there for 30 minutes. >> On February 12th, 2023, police received an emergency call from a resident who spotted two children under two alone in a running SUV. The caller noticed the children were unsupervised and called 911. When officers arrived, the vehicle was still running with the doors open, placing the children at significant risk. >> Here? >> 72, it's 10-4. I have two babies in the backseat and the um engine's running. >> And are the doors open? >> They are like under one and the doors are unlocked, so I I got my eyes on them. They look okay. If you still want to send FD just in case. >> Thank you so much for calling it in. Can you get the complainant's 14? She has to go. I'm just going to watch the babies here. She's right there with the glass. You can just get the time frame for me. >> Ma'am, did you call? Were you the one to call? >> Yes. Can I just get your information? >> Ma'am, I just Can I get your ID? >> Hold on. I'm sorry. >> What time did you >> I just got here like 2 minutes Well, as soon as I stepped out, I called. I called. Whatever time stamp that is, till 12:27, I had just literally got here, got out my car, and I seen it the car was running. I didn't think anything of it until I looked in the backseat and I seen the babies. I didn't see, you know, an adult in the front seat. So I just kept looking and I'm like, there's nobody in here. >> Okay. >> How did you know they were in line at the liquor store? >> They know I saw them I was in line. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> The car was All right, there you go. >> That's why I was confused. I was like, how did you know you were in line at >> Yes, cuz I knew that was going to be a good, you know, that >> Okay. Got it. Got it. >> It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. They're going to be fine. >> This is ridiculous. You want to have lock it in? >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> Walmart, come on. Do an announcement. >> They're not >> It's a black male out of Boca, Cypress Bend. >> I wonder if they could do an announcement in the store. >> Hey. >> Can you come here? Do you guys have an ability to do announcements in the store? Like they could call people on the loudspeaker? >> I don't have to do it. You got to go ask someone in there. Let me go get management. >> Uh sure, yes, please. Thank you. Okay, so >> I mean, by >> time we got here, what was her time frame? >> She said she called 911 as soon as she saw them. She walked in, she saw the car running. She didn't think anything at first, then she looked in the car, and she saw the two kids, and she went, "Oh my god." 911. >> So, it was right after they got in there, I guess. >> He even He even has He even has a Boca address. >> It's been 20 minutes since this call came out. >> 30 minutes had passed since police discovered the children, but no relatives had arrived. Coordination between police, store staff, and security personnel became necessary. >> Hey, can you see him sitting outside? >> Yes, please. >> Actually, we're going to give you the driver's name. Just this goes back to a rental. And maybe you can do both. >> Okay, so >> Person driving a black Toyota, and uh what's his name? >> He's always in here, too. >> Oh, is he? >> Yeah, he's a regular. >> Getting tired? Oh, no, don't go. No, no. Oh, boy. He could have jumped on that. >> This one was sleeping. >> Okay. >> Can you make an announcement? >> Okay, I appreciate it. >> Okay, I'm trying to hold you the best I can. My best is weird. Now we're going on almost 30. >> Yeah, call came out at 12:28. >> Walmart's uh trying to page them cuz we found his license in the car. >> Just wanted to check their >> I called them 3 minutes ago. >> We don't know how long it's going on. >> Um there's two We just got >> Yeah, somebody somebody just >> Is the parents here that >> We don't know >> We've been waiting 30 minutes now. >> Oh, wow. >> The car was on, but it wasn't like super cold, but >> Did you see her wake up at all before? >> Um so the child >> Yeah, like under 2 years old, under a year old, they have to be in a car >> Where's mom? >> Uh what's she called? >> Yeah, I never had it where they didn't show up. Have you had that? >> No, but I'm just wondering if we're going to get a phone call about a stolen vehicle. >> Well, if you did something this stupid and all of a sudden you walked out and you saw police cars and a fire truck, do you want to get arrested or do you want to go, "Hey, I'm at home in Boca and I stopped at the store and somebody stole my car with my kids in it." >> Do you want me to like see if they'll stay somewhere? >> We tried already. >> And then if no one came out? >> Not yet. >> How long are you planning on waiting? >> Oh, we'll wait all day. >> Well, I mean the are you going to have So you're going to wait all day for that, but are you going to wait all day with the kids or do you want them to go somewhere? >> At some point we'll end up bringing them to the station or DCF. >> So it's curious if you wanted us to like them to be transported to the hospital or >> They'll nothing. They paged them and everything. >> Somebody going to jail. >> 30 minutes. >> It's been 30 minutes since this call came in and you been here 20. >> Yeah, it was unlocked and everything. Anybody could just snatch the kids. >> What if the car cuts off, you know? >> What if somebody walked by with a How long do we wait >> We're going to be waiting all day. If someone walks up to this car, then we'll probably be waiting longer. >> Guys, say they don't come. Are you guys going to transport the kids somewhere or do you want us to get a rescue transport them? >> We'll call you back. >> Yeah, I mean we'll hang out for a little bit. Somebody's going to walk back up to this car, I would hope. But as soon as they do, it don't matter. >> The man earlier said that he's like a regular, like they know who he is. >> How you guys doing? >> What's up? You guys needing me? >> So dad's still not out. >> Where's he at? >> Good question. >> Oh, where where's the car at? >> Right here. >> There's another baby in the >> Are you serious? >> I got a >> Hey, >> Did you pay Walmart? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We did all that. >> That's weird. >> Let me see if they got like a wipe or something for them. >> Yeah, there's some new ones. >> Oh, okay. >> I know. >> Okay. I got to wipe your nose. You mad cuz I wiped your nose? I know. >> Huh? >> I'll send him the picture to him now. >> Okay, see if he can follow the the car into the parking lot. Go back from Park him at 12:28. Start at like 12:00, maybe we can view the outside camera and catch him coming in. Cuz I know their cameras don't go out this far. And then maybe he can backtrack from there. >> I sent him the picture. >> Okay. All right, I appreciate it. >> I feel like I should just start calling DCF now. >> Did I see you make contact? >> DCF called regardless. >> So, you saying are you inside looking for the dad? >> No, he's looking on TLO for a phone number for him. >> Okay, did did we make contact with Walmart security and have them rewind the cameras back? >> Oh, all that. >> So, did they they see him walk in? >> No, not yet. They're still >> Are they still looking at it? >> Yeah. >> I mean, either way >> I mean, we've been here for like 30 minutes, 40 minutes almost. >> Yeah, that's a 10-15. >> Oh, yeah. But we have to probably take them to the station, tow the car, DCF. >> Might start calling them now. >> Yeah. >> All right, you're going to watch them? >> Yeah. They're probably going to want us to make contact with another family member. You know they're going to see if another family member can come get them first. >> But yeah, go ahead and call and see if they'll send somebody out now. Might get lucky, they might send somebody out. >> After a long wait, the parents arrived but did not acknowledge leaving the children unattended. Security footage later confirmed that neither parent had checked on the vehicle during that time. >> We got a couple guys walking over here. >> All right. >> Hi, how are you? >> We've been back and forth, me and the wife, for a minute. >> You and the wife? >> Yeah, we've been back and forth. >> the dad? >> Yes. >> Okay, put your hands behind your back. >> Let me figure out what's going on. >> Okay. So, you and your wife were inside? >> Yeah. >> And you guys can't leave the babies in the car by yourself. >> Yeah, we've been back and forth. >> No, no, you can't do that. >> We've been here for a long time. >> Been here for over 30 minutes, sir. >> We haven't been in there for 30 minutes. >> We have been here for 30 minutes. >> It's been for over 30 minutes. It's been It's been over 30 minutes, actually. >> Where's your wife? She's inside? >> Yeah. >> Is she coming out? >> Yes. >> She needs to come out. >> Is there any particular reason why you didn't put them in a car and bring them in here? >> We've been back and forth. We couldn't find a car. We've been here for 35 minutes. >> How long have they been in there for then? >> We have been here for 35 minutes. >> Do you want to watch the video for 35 minutes? >> I understand what you're telling me, but >> That's your mom? >> No. No, no. There's no kids, nothing. >> No. >> I got three kids, too. I know I know how to Just put them in a car. >> They were sleeping They were sleeping in the car. >> No, you can't. >> They were sleeping in the car. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Doors are open. What if somebody came >> Like I said, we've been back and forth. >> No. >> Can I call in Shel her? Just leave the stuff there and you can come out. >> Do you want to get the mom's phone number so we can call her and have her come out? Do you have your phone on you? All right, we're going to call her from your phone. Hi, Shel. Are you inside Walmart? >> Yes. >> Okay, you need to come outside immediately, okay? >> All right. >> Tell her to leave the stuff. Don't stop >> Leave Leave the stuff there. >> Show off the paper then. >> Okay. How many kids are with her? >> There's one. She was He was awake. >> So, there's one with her? >> Yeah, he was >> Do you have a car seat for that one? How old is that one? >> He's He's two. >> Do you have a car seat for him? >> He sits in a little seat. >> No, okay. We need another car seat. I'll just have somebody bring it here so we can take There's a unit available. I need a car seat over here. There's the car seats in the report writing room. It's for a 2-year-old. >> You need to hold me so I don't run? >> Yes, I do. >> I'm going to leave my kids. I'm going to run in and get my >> You're under arrest. >> Put them in mine. >> Come this way. >> We got this call at 12:28. That's the time that concerned citizen called in and told us, "Hey, there's two children in the car unattended." >> You made contact with us at minutes, okay? That those children were left unattended. And you did not come out and check because we've been here the whole time. >> I can't. >> Okay, you understand? So, you understand what's happening now, right? >> Yeah. >> We're going to contact DCF. Do you have local family that could take the children? >> Yes. >> Are you going to get the baby? Okay. Ma'am, I need to put your hands behind your back. Place your hands behind Do you have anything in your pocket? >> No, nothing. >> Ma'am, are those your children? >> Um do you want me to Miranda, I'm going to put her in my car and take a statement from her? >> No, that sounds good. >> Okay. All right. All right, I'm going to have you walk over to my car with me so we can talk to you. >> All right, just have a seat. >> Do you have your ID in your wallet? >> Yes. >> All right, I'm going to just going to grab your wallet in front of you. Where is it at? Maybe this one right here? >> Yeah, right. >> Okay. So, we were called out here because we received a complaint about a baby crying in a car. A citizen heard the baby screaming, they looked and saw it was the two babies by themselves. They didn't see any adults around, so they called police. We stood by for over 30 minutes to see if anybody would come. Since nobody came, this is what we got. We tried to do everything to find you guys. We walked around Walmart, they paged, we couldn't find you guys. It's been over 30 minutes and now you guys, your husband just now walked out. So, that's that's the reason why why we're here. He's over there, he's in the back of the police car with my partner. Okay. >> So, where are the babies? >> The babies are they're in the car with the fire department. They're just checking them out, making sure they're okay, but they're still in the car. Your other little boy, he's over there in the car, too, with the fire with the medics. Okay. And so, the gentleman that was with you is are you guys married or is that just your your children's father or >> My children's father. >> Okay. Do you guys live together? >> No, not related. >> Okay. >> Okay. It >> So, all three of the children are yours, right? Are you you guys together? >> Yeah. >> The three children are all with you and him, right? >> Two of mine. I'm I'm his stepmother of one. >> So, by law, I'm required to warn you before you make any statement that you have the following constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. So, after um I read your Miranda rights to you, are you willing to answer some additional questions for me pertaining this particular incident with the children in the car? >> The thing is, I speak English was not me not that big, so I don't want to say something and then like I don't I don't I don't I don't want to interpret something in >> What's is your primary language Creole? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, would you feel more comfortable if I have an officer that speaks Creole come and talk to you so you can explain this incident? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right, no problem. >> Police coordinated to manage the situation. The immediate solution was to overcome the language barrier with her and contact relatives to pick up the kids. >> All right, Amanda's bringing >> Nothing. >> She didn't you anything? >> No. She said, "Yeah, it's my car, those are my kids. Amanda's bringing us a third seat cuz they don't have a seat for her. And then I guess we'll load them up and take them to the station, right? >> If she left here, I mean, what I'd like to know is that she runs in the store and she tells dad, hey, stay with the kids, and then he just decides going on his own, she didn't know, is what I'm trying to get to. But if they both went in together >> He told me that they went in together cuz these two were sleeping. The little ones were sleeping, so >> fine. She didn't say nothing. >> I'm going to I'm going to bring my niece in in a second, but that's what people do. Practice it. >> I'd have to say, she gets you ready. So is there no seat for this kid? >> No, there's no seat for this one. They have a seat in the middle. >> You got two counts. So what's up, Chuck? >> Yeah. >> Leaving vehicle unattended. >> I'll just clean my hands with this Purell stuff. >> Is that your car there? >> Yeah. >> And she's going in and the car car. So just kids info and let lady start calling it in and see what they want to do. Ask them if they got some family local. Yeah, get that info and just let DCF know and DCF DCF says we can let them go with the parents and that's the way it is. >> So this is an investigation. It's an investigation into child neglect. Do you understand? >> Okay. >> So I'm going to read this to you. I'm required to warn you before you make any statement that you have the following constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. Any statement So with that being said, do you want to um provide a statement to me? Do you want to talk to me? >> No. >> Okay. Do you have some local family that we could possibly contact? >> Yes. >> Okay, who is that? And who is that? >> That's my sister. >> That's your sis- Is she local? >> Yes. Uh Lake Worth. There's two of them in Lake >> Do you know her number by heart or you need it from your phone? >> it from my phone. >> If you'd like to call her and let her know what's going on because we're going to contact DCF and what we'd like to do is release the children to family. We do not want to take the children, okay? We don't want to traumatize them more than they already have been What was the other >> have somebody come pick up the parkers. >> What is the other relative? Who is that? >> Uh my sister as well. >> Another sister? She's going to call? >> She's going to call my other sister. >> Okay. Hello. >> We even have >> She's coming. Okay, hopefully they'll release them to her. >> Yeah, I guess we can start calling them and see if they'll do an immediate or they can release to family. >> I'm trying to see if they just want us to release to family. >> They just want to know usually where the kids are going to be cuz they're going to probably get released >> So you want me to wait till we go to the station and just have somebody come translate or or you want me to call the language line? >> If you want to just do language line, at least that way you're on camera you did it via language line. Does she have any family that could come cuz he called somebody but I'm just trying to have a backup just in case. >> to pull up closer and I'mma ask her. Okay. Do you have any family member that can come get the kids? Okay, who who who who should I call? Okay, once the person that he recommended to call was the She said that's who she would call to get the kids. That's the same person? Okay, so we already called her. Yep. I'm still waiting for Walmart. Before we leave, I'm I told Walmart we would get the videos so we can see exactly what time they came in and what time they came out. I want to see if they was really checking and all that stuff. >> They weren't. >> Yeah, I know but it's even better if you can have the video. All right, let me work on that. Put them both in a holding cell so I can stay in and take care of babies until the lady get here. How you want to do it? >> So make her? >> Yeah, and just put her in a holding cell for right now. >> We're waiting on DCF to see if her family member can come get them. >> Okay. >> We're going to put them in the custody. Yeah, you can put it down. We're going to put the mom in your car so you can help me take I have the dad in my car. So she can stay. So she can stay. >> Mom? >> Yeah. >> So we can stay with the baby. >> Why why do we need her? >> Cuz they were sleeping. Okay, we're going to put you in another car, okay? >> Come on out. >> Hi baby. >> Hi. >> You here at Walmart? >> I'm on my way. I'm at Gateway right now. >> Gateway and what? >> Gateway and Congress. >> Okay, thank you. Hi, just an update. So Felicity called DCF and they said it was okay to release the kids to the aunt so we don't have to take them in to the station or anything. See behind us Felicity, they're taking care of the kids and she's going to help me get the video and stuff. >> They completed the handover of the children to the father's sister and reviewed store security footage to confirm the events. >> Are you >> Yes, I am. >> Okay. Do you have your ID card on you? We just have to confirm who you are before we release the kids. >> What's going to happen to them now? >> They're going to get processed. They're going to go up to county jail. They're going to go see a judge, and then um they'll either get released or they'll have a bond. >> does that take? >> Uh it's up to the jail. It could be as early as tomorrow. It could be a couple of days. >> Where are they now? >> One is in this uh car seat. This officer has one, and one is in the car seat. >> Officer, is there >> Yeah, she's good. >> Okay, her 29 fifth. All right, you hold them. I just got to take a picture of them, okay? >> Let me see. Say cheese. >> All right, here's the key to the car, and then here's the baby's bottle. >> Just for the record, today's date is February the 12th, 2023. The current time is 14:15 hours. I'm here at Walmart, 3200 Old Boynton Road. Uh child uh children left in a car. So, we made you aware that we were investigating an incident that where children were left in the vehicle, right? >> Yes. >> Okay, and you assisted us by locating the video surveillance. >> Okay. >> Can you explain to me what you located on the video surveillance? I see you have some notes here. Can you explain this to me? >> Uh I was like reviewing the CCTV, and I saw when the guy left. And I saw the the when the guy left, and I backtracked, and I saw like on when he came with his car, parked his car. He parked in the parking lot around like um 12:04. And then so when he was leaving the store to go back to his car, he was around like, you know, um 13:11. And I saw like him walking back to his car. That was when like the officer like apprehended him. >> So, I just want to confirm. So, he arrived in the parking lot, according to your note, you're reviewing the CCTV. >> Yes. >> He arrived in the parking lot. He parked at What kind of vehicle was he in? >> Black uh SUV. >> Black SUV, okay. So, he arrived at 12:04. He physically walked in the store at 12:08. >> 12:08. >> Then the next time you see him leaving the store was at 13:11. >> 13:11. >> And that's when police made contact with him. >> Yes. >> At any point in time of you reviewing the video, did you see him leave the business in between those times to check to go to the car or anything like that? >> No. >> Did you see the female that he walked in with or did he walk in by himself? >> He walked with a female. >> Did you ever see her leave the store to go outside to the car and come back? >> No. They were inside the store with a child. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Well, I've been told they left like two of them like in the car. >> Okay. From from the video surveillance doesn't show any of them leaving the store to go to the car and come back. >> No. >> The the last time you saw them leaving the store is when we made contact with them, right? Okay, perfect. And is this a copy of the video for me? Okay. >> At the station, the mother explained she had left the children in the car because they were sleeping and she didn't want to wake them. However, even if unintentional, this action was not only against the law, but also posed a significant risk to the children's well-being. >> What happened is the baby and the other one, they both they were sleeping. So, I would never let them in the car. So, that's why we keep going back and forth to check on them in the car because they were sleeping. So, that's the only reason why we left them in the car. >> Okay. So, So, you and Delva drove to the store with the three babies, right? So, those two were sleeping. You guys didn't want to wake them up, so you left them in the car. You went inside with your other baby, right? Right? And then you guys were shopping, okay? And so, you're saying that you guys were checking on the kids. Okay, who who was checking on the kids? >> Delva. >> While you're shopping, Delva would leave and go check on the kids and come back? Yeah. Okay. Do you know how many times he did that? >> I cannot tell you exact the exact time because I wasn't with him. He was on the other side while I was shopping. So, >> Okay. So, you guys were shopping on different sides of the store? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you were on one side shopping and he was shopping on the another side. How do you know that he went out to check and you guys were on different sides? >> But the thing is like I don't have eyes on them, but when he's going outside, he said, "I'm going to go check on the baby." And I said, "That's okay." >> Okay. So, he So, he came and told you he said, "I'm going to go check on the baby." >> Yeah. Okay. And how many times did he do that? >> He told me that two times. >> So, about two times he he found you in the store and he said, "I'm going to go outside and check on the babies." Okay. Do you know how long you guys were in the store? You don't know? Okay. Do you know how long you guys were in the store before Delva went to go check on them the first time? >> I cannot give you the exact time. >> So, I mean, I understand that um >> I I would never like I know I know that I was not supposed to let them in the car because they were sleeping and then I didn't bring the chair. You can see I take Emmanuel with me because he was not sleeping. I I would never let the other one in the car if they were if they were awake. I would take them with me also. I didn't know if like I didn't know if that that was going to happen. Like I I didn't do that like on purpose. >> Okay. Yeah. So, just just for future reference, you can't leave the babies in the car by themselves. Even if they're sleeping, they can't stay in the car by themselves. >> I don't think like I'm in Haiti. I don't really know I don't know all of the right what I'm I'm supposed to do and what I'm not supposed to >> If you were in Haiti and you went inside the grocery store, would you leave the kids in the car in Haiti? >> No, I think that's not normal. >> Right. Right. Right. Okay. Yeah, the same thing here. They're too small. They can't take care of themselves, you know? >> I I I'm really sorry for that because I they were sleeping and then the AC was on like >> This is dangerous because of car theft. What if somebody steals the car with the kids in the car, you know? People are crazy nowadays. We just have to make sure that the babies are safe. When they get bigger when they get bigger and and they know how to talk, have cell phones, they can take care of themselves, maybe then. But these are they're too small. They can't take care of themselves. So, next time >> Can I Can I ask you this Can I ask you a question? >> Mhm. >> Is it illegal? >> Mhm. >> I want to know like what's going to happen with the baby. >> So, we did have to notify Department of Children and Families. So, um they're going to follow up with you guys and they will decide what's going to happen. It may be a situation until your case is resolved in court. It may be a situation where the kids will have to stay with one of your family members until this is resolved in court. But, I'm not 100% sure, but normally that's that's kind of what happens when the parents are charged with child neglect or child abuse like that, a lot of times the Department of Children and Families will do like a looks like a parenting plan, like a safety plan, and they'll put the kids with another family member, and that family member will take care of them until you guys resolve this in court. What's going to happen is after they finish the paperwork, they're going to take you guys to the county jail. This is just like a holding cell just to hold you here until we do our paperwork. After they finish the paperwork, they're going to take you to the county jail, which is in West Palm Beach, and then they're going to book you guys in, and then once we get to the county jail, they'll let us know. You guys might not get get You have to You might have to see the judge in the morning cuz today is Sunday. So, you may have to sleep overnight in jail until the morning. In the morning when you see the judge, they'll explain everything that's going to happen from here. >> Both the father and mother were charged with two counts of child neglect and two counts of leaving children unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle. Under Florida law, they could face a combined maximum penalty of 10 years and 6 months in prison and $11,000 in fines. Even with the vehicle running and air conditioning on, leaving young children alone can create significant health and safety risks. Long-term effects could include impacts on children's emotional well-being, social behavior, and sense of security. We have witnessed moments where, due to personal conflicts, pressure, or even a brief lapse, parents unintentionally put their children at legal risk and emotional. The consequences extend beyond penalties, affecting children's long-term mental health and sense of safety. What do you think about these adult decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you found this video helpful, don't forget to like and subscribe so we can continue exploring more human-centered legal stories. Thank you, and see you next time.